LDV announces electric vehicle trio: eT60, MIFA 9 and eDeliver 9 set for Australian launch
The LDV eT60 is Australia’s first electric ute. Images: LDV Australia
LDV has pulled the cover off three new all-electric models, and all are now on sale in Australia. The MIFA 9 is a futuristic people mover, capable of carrying 7 adults and travelling over 400km. The press release states that the MIFA 9 “[is] making people movers cool again”, and we wouldn’t disagree. The eT60 is being lauded as Australia’s first electric ute, and should do well with fleets and businesses looking to go electric. The eDeliver 9 is a delivery van with close to 12.5 cubic metres of cargo capacity in top-spec, and offers a large 88.55kWh battery with DC rapid charging.
The LDV MIFA 9 features a 400km+ range.
LDV MIFA 9 electric people mover
People movers are cool - even prestigeous - amongst wealthy buyers in Asia. The Japanese revere the Toyota Alphard; the Voyah Dreamer is the world’s fastest people mover (not that it has much competition).
LDV is hoping Australian buyers looking for space, luxury and all the benefits of an electric drivetrain will consider the MIFA 9; priced from $106,000, it’s creeping towards the pricing of large SUVs from Volvo, Lexus and BMW, and far beyond a Hyundai Palisade, or the minivan stalwart, the Kia Carnival.
Three trim levels are available: Mode, Executive and Luxe. Battery, drivetrain and motors are all identical, however range suffers on the mid and high-spec models due to larger wheel sizes.
The 90kWh battery should provide around 400km (248mi) of real world range for this beast, and the company claims DC fast charging will take 36 minutes to charge from 30%-80%. LDV offers a 5 year, 200,000km warranty, and an 8 year, 200,000km battery warranty. Service intervals are 2 years/30,000kms.
The LDV eT60 will be a hit with fleets and businesses looking to meet strict emissions targets.
LDV eT60 electric utility vehicle
The eT60 is expensive. More than double a regular LDV T60 Max 4x4 ute in fact, which can be picked up for around $45,000 driveaway in Australia. But focusing on price is missing the point; a spokesperson for LDV told EV Brief that interest is strong, and demand has already seen the initial allocation of eT60s sold out.
We anticipate strong interest from businesses and especially fleets, who will be paying fleet prices, and in the cases of governments, may not even pay stamp duty. They’ve already done the sums, and the eT60 must make business sense if they’re happy to lock in orders for these vehicles. They may also have commitments to emissions targets that will require quick transition to a zero emissions fleet.
Starting at $92,990, the eT60 offers a marginally smaller battery pack than the MIFA 9, at 88.55 kWh. It can charge to 80% via DC fast charging in around 45min, and features a rear wheel drive, single motor drivetrain with 130kW and 310Nm. We’re disappointed that the four-wheel drive variant hasn’t made it to Australia - at least not yet - as this capability is often a priority for those purchasing utility vehicles.
LDV’s eDeliver 9 features identical cargo capacity to its ICE siblings.
LDV eDeliver 9 electric logistics van
The LDV Deliver series is popular in Australia, and the addition of an electric model with over 250km of range should be a winner with fleet operators and logistics businesses. The same 88.55kWh lithium-ion battery is present, delivering a WLTP range of 280km (mid roof variant) and 275km (high roof variant). A cab chassis version is also available, with a 65kWh lithium ion battery and a WLTP range of 150km.
The cargo area is massive, with 10.97m3 for the LWB Mid Roof variant, and 12.33m3 for the LWB High Roof variant. This is identical to the combustion engine-powered models. Payload is 1,410kg for the Mid Roof and 1,350kg for the High Roof, while braked towing capacity is limited to 1,500kg.
Pricing starts from $99,990 for the cab chassis, and $116,537 for the mid-roof eDeliver 9.
More info coming soon; we hope to organise a drive of this electric trio when possible.
